Writers' resolutions? Er, no...

No, I’m not making resolutions for 2015; they are easily made and easily broken. It’s a bit like dieting – it never works.

So what’s a writer to do? I have a few recommendations…

Have your vision and write your story – tap, tap, tap.

Make a beautiful world or an ugly one – it doesn’t matter as long as you know that world in your head and make it plausible and consistent.

Make heroic characters or complete slimeballs and every type in between – don’t be afraid to create the characters you want to and as complex as you want them. Not all police are alcoholic depressives, not all decent ordinary people are upright citizens and not all heroes/heroines are ‘on duty’ 24/7.

And have confidence in creating this new world – who says you can’t have a certain world? But remember to be logical and to do your research.

And love it when it’s a success – don’t do the over-modest reserved thing. A mumbled ‘thank you’ or ‘it was nothing’ is not gracious. Your friends, colleagues and even your relations want to celebrate with you.

Writers together

But let’s remember a few things…

It’s a privilege to be able to present the inside of your head to other people.

Be nice to other writers and exchange ideas freely with them, support them with promotion and cheer them up when they need it.

Be polite to others in the writing and publishing field. Nobody is right or wrong – there are always options and the power to choose.

A Happy New Year to you Alison. Your words at your launch inspired me at a time when I felt slightly disillusioned with my writing, so thank you! You are an inspiration, congrats on all your success in 2014. Fabulous pic.x